Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers aloha to all in 20th annual Celebration of the Arts

April 5, 2012

It's called Celebration of the Arts. But marking the 20th anniversary of this Maui tradition, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua also celebrates the traditions, teachings and spirit of Hawaiian culture, along with the sense of rebirth and renewal of the Easter holiday weekend in a full weekend of activities.

Most of the events are free (unless otherwise noted), and the public is invited to take part in this unique cultural blend of hands-on art projects, workshops and discussions of provocative Hawaiian cultural issues, performances and other events illustrating this year's theme "Me Ke Aloha With Aloha to All."

Here's the schedule, condensed from material provided by the resort:

Article Photos

Clifford Nae‘ole, cultural adviser of this unique event, leads the opening protocol of a past Celebration of the Arts at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.The Maui News / RICK CHATENEVER photo

Friday

5:45 7 a.m. Hiuwai & E Ala E Ceremonies. Beach House Lawn Out with the badin with the good. Greet the dawn and rejuvenate the spirit. Swimwear, towels required.

8:15 9:15 a.m. Ka Wai A Kane (Awa Ceremony) Aloha Garden Invited practitioners and hotel management gather to honor 20 years of dedication by drinking the bitter waters of Kane. Public viewing is OK. No photography without authorization.

10 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Wehe I Ka Puka (Opening Protocol) Lobby Traditional chants and protocol open the 20th Annual Celebration of the Arts. The Namahana Award of Excellence will be given to two deserving kupuna (elders) who have led a life supporting all things Hawaiian.

11 a.m. 1 p.m. Meet the Artist The Village Gallery Artist Kathy Long autographs her works and displays her signature piece for the 20th Annual Celebration of the Arts.

11:30 12:15 p.m. "The Rainbow Within You" Salon 1 Renowned entertainer and co-founder of The Celebration of the Arts, Henry Kapono encourages children to use their creativity to write lyrics and music a talent that has brought him numerous Na Hoku-Hanohano awards and Grammy nominations.

12 1 p.m. "Naturally Hawaiian" Ambassadors of The Environment Building Naturalists will escort you on an adventure exploring The Kapalua Resort focusing on Hawaiian endemic species. Hiking shoes and comfortable wear required.

12 1:15 p.m. "A Green Harvest with "Chef April" The Banyan Tree Restaurant Chef April Matsumoto will lead the tour of the hotel's organic garden, concluding with healthy smoothies!

12:30 1:30 p.m. "My KoAloha Story" (film) Salon 2 A documentary film featuring the Okami family of Oahu who turned a failed plastic business into a thriving enterprise by crafting the ukulele ... a musical icon of Hawaiian music.

1 3:30 p.m. "The History & Responsibilities of The Royal Hawaiian Guard" Salon 3 The executive director of The Royal Hawaiian Guard, Paulo Feafine, leads this hands-on experience and lecture.

1 3 p.m. "Black Light Fun!" Plantation 3 Black-light artist Rachel DeBoer will lead 15 children (ages 7 to 12, first come-first served) in a black-light puppet show with colorful puppets that the children will craft during this period. Parents are welcome to stay and help with the creation process. Their play will be presented at 3 p.m. in the hotel theater.

1:30 2:15 p.m. Lobby entertainment TBA

2 2:45 p.m. "Maui Composers and Their Musical Legacy" Salon 1 "Aunty'' NoeMahoe describes the history of music composed by talented Maui composers past and present.

3 3:30 p.m. "Children's Black-Light Puppet Show" Theater Black-light artist Rachel DeBoer presents a unique look at the creation of Hawaii through the eyes of children using the magical effects of black lights.

10 11 a.m. "Aloha Lives in Distant Lands" Salon 1 Members of an international panel explain how the concept of "aloha" is practiced within their lands and cultures. Tibet, Africa, Samoa, Native Americans and Hawaii are represented.

11 a.m. 1 p.m. Meet the Artist The Village Gallery See above.

11:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Lobby entertainment The Alaloa Lounge

11:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. "The Evolution of the Canoe" Salon 2 Hawaiian watermen Kimokeo Kapahulehua and Lokepa Nae'ole explain how the wa'a (canoe) has changed their lives and that of many others. The essence of the canoe goes beyond the realm of the ocean.

12 1 p.m. "Naturally Hawaiian" Ambassadors of The Environment Building See above.

12:30 1:30 p.m.: "Got Poi?...Got Plenty!" Salon 1 Taro the staple starch of Polynesia, is featured during this unique "taste testing" of various strains. Moi from Keanae, mana lauloa of Hakipu'u, Oahu, lehua from Hanalei, Kaua'i, and ulu from Waihee are featured. Hear also why this root is sacred and efforts to protect its sanctity are under way.

1 3:30 p.m. "The History & Responsibilities of The Royal Hawaiian Guard" Salon 3 See above.

1:30 2:15 p.m. Lobby entertainment TBD

1:45 2:30 p.m. "What Kind of Ancestor Will You Be? Salon 2 Hawaiian artist and historian Brook Kapukuniahi Parker explains his love for the chiefs and how their acceptance of kuleana (responsibility) has shaped his family today.

9 p.m. midnight. "Celebration After Hours" The Alaloa Lounge Waipuna travels from Oahu to have their official CD "E Ho'i Mai" release party! No cover, 21 and older, ID required.

Sunday

10:15 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt The Plantation Lawn Keiki (children) 12 and younger old are invited to join the Easter Bunny and The Aloha Bear to gather eggs for fun and prizes. There will be sections for the different age groups. Bring your own Easter basket it starts at 10:15 a.m. sharp!